by Paul Lang

Penguin, out now

The yearly collection of facts and games about the Doctor and her travels – with some bonus Time Lord Victorious content.

There’s plenty of content in this year’s annual to keep the younger fans at whom it’s aimed happy – there may not be any original fiction (print or comic strip) but there’s loads of games of varying levels, and a canter through Series 12’s tales, retold by Paul Lang from a variety of perspectives. They’re not in chronological order (of broadcast – putting them in setting order would be interesting!) with the Reconnaissance Dalek from Resolution between the Skithra and the Judoon, but make for a very good and quick reminder of what’s gone before. There’s some backstory for reappearing characters, such as Jack (it’s 15 years since we first met him, after all), and the Master – right back to Terror of the Autons – as well as the historical characters the team encounter. First person sections for the Doctor refer to the other Doctor we met during the season as “Ruth”, and we get a full breakdown of the story revealed in The Timeless Child – with some first person commentary from “Ruth”… and a promise that all will be explained.

The final seven pages of text will probably attract older readers – they’re a primer to the Time Lord Victorious saga, with some background information on the Kotturuh, as well as on the races from the Doctor’s past travels who are present in the Dark Times. There’s also some very intriguing information about the Daleks – and Brian the Ood…

Verdict: A good buy for younger fans – and enough teasing to tempt older ones… 9/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk